USNA or Bust!https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com
Smooth seas do not skillful sailors makeTue, 06 Mar 2018 17:54:37 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://secure.gravatar.com/blavatar/2e272801861500c2270bc50c0016ad14?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.pngUSNA or Bust!https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com
What’s Happening in March at USNAhttps://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/whats-happening-in-march-at-usna/
https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/whats-happening-in-march-at-usna/#respondTue, 06 Mar 2018 17:53:34 +0000http://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/?p=8673By now, you’ve probably finished your B&G Interview and attended or are preparing for a Candidate Weekend Visit. If you’re a Junior, you’re applying for NASS to get a sense of what life at USNA is really like.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, and the thrillers, To Hunt a Suband Twenty-four Days. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

]]>https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/whats-happening-in-march-at-usna/feed/0usa-american-flag-gif-3worddreamsarmy vs navyMarch To Do List for USNA Applicantshttps://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/03/02/march-to-do-list-for-usna-applicants-9/
https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/03/02/march-to-do-list-for-usna-applicants-9/#respondFri, 02 Mar 2018 00:33:59 +0000http://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/?p=8645Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college.

A general and useful overview of the USNA application and the academy in general

Seniors–Follow up on all steps of the application

Check the binder you set up over the summer to be sure everything is submitted. Check CIS–Candidate Information System–the online application site for candidates only. Be sure USNA has everything you sent. If they don’t, resend and/or talk to your B&G Officer. In fact, stay in close touch with your BGO. If he hasn’t already, he’ll be interviewing you and passing his recommendation on to the Admittance board.

Make copies of every piece of paper you submit. Then, if (when) they disappear across the country in Annapolis, it won’t be a show stopper.

March 1st–Candidate Section of the application was due!

Seniors–follow up on the Letters of Recommendation from teachers

Teachers are very busy writing these for many seniors. You may have to stay on top of them to be sure they get out. Don’t worry. Your teachers won’t mind. They’re used to it.

Seniors–Blue-and-Gold Interview

The B&G (Blue and Gold) Interview allows the Naval Academy one more opportunity to ensure that they appoint candidates who will make it through the next nine years. It has to occur before you are accepted and shows up as complete or pending on the CIS. Prepare for it. Don’t take it for granted because you think your BGO ‘likes’ you. It’s his job to be an applicant screen for USNA, not your buddy.

Seniors–Accepted? Get a Passport

You’ll need one eventually and sometimes, they take a while to get. Don’t run out of time. Get one now.

More ideas? Read this post on what to do when you’ve been accepted to one of the finest higher education establishments in the nation.

Seniors–Check your application status often

Acceptances are out–not all of them. That’ll take through May, in some cases June. Check online to find out what’s missing from your application and rectify it. Check with your BGO, too. He’ll direct you to solutions for any shortfalls.

Juniors–Apply for a Summer Seminar at the USNA, USAFA, USMA

USNA, USAFA and West Point all offer Summer Seminars, an opportunity for seniors to spend a week on the campus seeing if it feels right. And, it gives administrators a chance to watch and evaluate prospective students.

The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience for high achievers who have completed their junior year in high school. Summer Seminar teaches you about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation’s leaders. If you think that you may be interested in pursuing an appointment to one of the nation’s service academies and serving your country as an officer, you should seriously consider attending the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar.

If you’re applying for USAFA, their Summer Seminar applications closed end of January.

Juniors–Create your list of college choices

Applications aren’t due until September (early apps) or November/December for the rest. Be prepared. This time, six months before the earliest decision, is the time to determine which colleges serve you best

Juniors–Take the SAT and ACT

If you’re over 1400, you’re doing great. If you’re not, take it as often as possible. There’s a trick to the test that you’ll figure out as you take it over and over. A lot of colleges offer a PSAT-type test for free,. Take advantage of those opportunities. That’ll keep costs down and provide feedback on what you should work on.

Freshmen/Sophomores–Get your Social Security Number

You must have one to apply to the Naval Academy. If you don’t have the card, get it.

Soph/Frosh–Go to a USNA Forum

Tour the Yard

These tours are offered through your BGO or any number of other avenues. Find a tour. Take it. You want to be sure the Naval Academy is right for you.

Create your resume

List all of your activities, awards, community service. The best time to start this is as a freshman. Keep it up to date throughout high school. It’ll remind you of all your accomplishments when you’re filling out applications and essays.

Here’s a sample (truncated to protect the applicant info), set up in Google Spreadsheet with a simple organization with columns and rows:

Tour a warship

These tours are offered through your Blue and Gold officer or any number of other avenues. Find a tour. Take it. First and foremost, you want to be sure that a Naval Academy choice is right for you. Seeing how officers work on a Naval vessel is a good idea.

Hone these critical skills

All USNA applicants and grads are leaders. If you’re a freshman, even a sophomore, not sure if you have enough of the leadership gene, check out these posts to see how to develop these traits:

Read Books

Say hi to military reps who show up on your campus

Chat with them. Pick their brains. Find out what they can tell you about life in the military. It’s a different world and any way you can assure yourself it’s for you, do it.

Focus on your unique skill

Even as school heats up and time gets short, stay in touch with whatever it is that sets you apart from others. Military academies like that side of you. They want to know you can do everything, not just academics and sports.

Be a Leader

Wherever there’s an opportunity to be a leader, take it. The Military Academies want to see you as a proactive, can-do person, not a follower. Officers are the ones who make things happen and inspire the enlisted to do their best. Be that person.

Continue Community Service

Most colleges want to know you give back to your community; Military Academies are no exception. Do as much as you can. Give as much of your time and labor as you can afford. No, it doesn’t mean you can do less in academics or sports. Figure out how to do it all. That’s the kind of person USNA, USAFA and all military academies like.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days(starring the USS Bunker Hill), and over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, adjunct professor in technology-in-education, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. She is also the proud mother of a Navy LT and and Army SGT. You can find her book at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

]]>https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/03/02/march-to-do-list-for-usna-applicants-9/feed/0usa-american-flag-gif-3worddreamstodo--credit Nemocollege app resumeWhat’s Happening in February at USNAhttps://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/02/06/whats-happening-in-february-at-usna/
https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/02/06/whats-happening-in-february-at-usna/#respondTue, 06 Feb 2018 17:52:50 +0000http://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/?p=8671By now, you’ve finished your Congressional Interview, maybe even your B&G Interview. You’ve attended or are preparing for a Candidate Weekend Visit. Here are a few items you want to think about in February:

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, and the thrillers, To Hunt a Suband Twenty-four Days. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

]]>https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/02/06/whats-happening-in-february-at-usna/feed/0america-1297618_960_720worddreamsFebruary To Do List For Military Academy Applicantshttps://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/02/01/february-to-do-list-for-military-academy-applicants-8/
https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/02/01/february-to-do-list-for-military-academy-applicants-8/#respondThu, 01 Feb 2018 17:33:59 +0000http://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/?p=8644Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be

happy you’re done. Move on to the next

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

A general and useful overview of the USNA application and the academy in general

Seniors–Follow up on all steps of the application

Check the binder you set up over the summer to be sure everything is submitted. Check CIS–Candidate Information System–the online application site for candidates only. Be sure USNA has everything you’ve sent. If they don’t, resend and/or talk to your BGO. In fact, stay in close touch with him/her at this stage in your application. S/he’ll be interviewing you and passing his recommendation on to the Admittance board.

Make copies of every piece of paper you submit. Then, if (when) they disappear across the country in Annapolis, it won’t be a show stopper.

Seniors–follow up on the Letters of Recommendation from teachers

Teachers are very busy writing these for many seniors. You may have to stay on top of them to be sure they get out. Don’t worry. Your teachers won’t mind. They’re used to it.

Seniors–Check your application status often

Acceptances are out–not all of them. That’ll take through June. Check online to find out what’s missing from your application and rectify it. Check with your BGO, too. He’ll direct you to solutions for any shortfalls.

March 1st–Candidate Section of the application is due!

Seniors–Blue-and-Gold Interview

The Blue and Gold Interview allows the Naval Academy one more opportunity to ensure that they appoint candidates who will make it through the next nine years. It has to occur before you are accepted and shows up as complete or pending on the CIS. Prepare for it. Don’t take it for granted because you think your BGO ‘likes’ you. It’s his job to be an applicant screen for USNA, not your buddy.

Seniors–Accepted? Get a Passport

You’ll need one eventually and sometimes they take a while to get. Don’t run out of time. Get one now.

Juniors–Apply for a Summer Seminar at the USNA, USAFA, USMA

USNA, USAFA and West Point all offer Summer Seminar, an opportunity for seniors to spend a week on the campus seeing if it feels right. And, it gives administrators a chance to watch and evaluate prospective students.

The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience for high achievers who have completed their junior year in high school. Summer Seminar teaches you about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation’s leaders. If you think that you may be interested in pursuing an appointment to one of the nation’s service academies and serving your country as an officer, you should seriously consider attending the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar.

If you’re applying for USAFA, their Summer Seminar applications closed the end of January.

Juniors–Create your list of college choices

Applications aren’t due until September (early apps) or November/December for the rest. Be prepared. This time, six months before the earliest decision, is the time to determine which colleges serve you best

Juniors–Take the SAT and ACT

If you’re over 1400, you’re doing great. If not, take it as often as possible. There’s a trick to the test that you’ll figure out as you take it over and over. A lot of colleges offer a PSAT-type test for free. Take advantage of those opportunities. That’ll keep costs down and provide feedback on what you should work on.

Tour the Yard

These tours are offered through your BGO or any number of other avenues. Find a tour. Take it. You want to be sure the Naval Academy is right for you.

Create your resume

List all of your activities, awards, community service. The best time to start this is as a freshman. Keep it up to date throughout high school. It’ll remind you of all your accomplishments when you’re filling out applications and essays.

Here’s a sample (truncated to protect the applicant info), set up in spreadsheet with a simple organization with columns and rows:

Tour a warship

These tours are offered through your BGO or any number of other avenues. Find a tour. Take it. Seeing how officers work on a Naval vessel is a good idea.

Hone these critical skills

All USNA applicants and grads are leaders. If you’re a freshman, even a sophomore, not sure if you have enough of the leadership gene, check out these posts to see how to develop these traits:

Read Books

Continue Community Service

USNA–and most colleges–want to know you give back to your community. Do as much as you can. Give as much of your time and labor as you can afford. No, it doesn’t mean you can do less in academics or sports. Figure out how to do it all. That’s the kind of person USNA, USAFA and all military academies like.

Say hi to military reps who show up on your campus

Chat with them. Pick their brains. Find out what they can tell you about life in the military. It’s a different world and any way you can assure yourself it’s for you, do it.

Focus on your unique skill

Even as school heats up and time gets short, stay in touch with whatever it is that sets you apart from others. Military academies like that side of you. They want to know you can do everything, not just academics and sports.

Be a Leader

Wherever there’s an opportunity to be a leader, take it. The Military Academies want to see you as a proactive, can-do person, not a follower. Officers are the ones who make things happen and inspire the enlisted to do their best. Be that person.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days(starring the USS Bunker Hill), and over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice reviewer, adjunct professor in technology-in-education, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her book at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days(starring the USS Bunker Hill), and over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice reviewer, adjunct professor in technology-in-education, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her book at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

]]>https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/01/11/whats-happening-in-january/feed/0USNA profile pdfworddreamsJanuary To Do List for USNA Applicantshttps://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/01/08/january-to-do-list-for-usna-applicants-8/
https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/01/08/january-to-do-list-for-usna-applicants-8/#respondMon, 08 Jan 2018 00:48:18 +0000http://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/?p=8294Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list.

Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Seniors–Check for Letter of Assurance

Even if you’ve already received your offer, attend this exciting weekend. You’ll get to see the Yard, visit Mids, ask more questions, see how the academics work. It’ll help you decide if you’re not sure, or clinch your decision to attend.

Seniors–DodMETS

This should be done. If you required a DodMETS waiver, follow up. Make sure it comes through. A good rule is to do everything you can until the ball is in someone else’s court so to speak. Don’t expect a waiver to happen without lots of personal attention.

Seniors–get the CFA done

This should be done already.

If you didn’t pass CFA during Summer Seminar, or didn’t attend that event, arrange for your high school gym coach or someone else you trust to administer the full exam. If you don’t pass, you have until you submit your application to pass it. Check out what’s required (crunches, shuttle run, mile run, etc.) and make sure you’re prepared.

Seniors–Follow up on all steps of the application

Check the binder you set up over the summer to be sure everything is submitted. Check CIS–Candidate Information System–the online application site for candidates only. Be sure USNA has everything you’ve sent. If they don’t, resend and/or talk to your B&G Officer. In fact, stay in close touch with your B&G Officer at this stage in your application process. He’ll be interviewing you and passing his recommendation on to the Admittance board.

Make copies of every piece of paper you submit. Then, if (when) they disappear across the country in Annapolis, it won’t be a show stopper.

Seniors–follow up on the Letters of Recommendation from teachers

Teachers are very busy writing these for many seniors. You may have to stay on top of them to be sure they get out. Don’t worry. Your teachers won’t mind. They’re used to it.

Seniors–Blue-and-Gold Interview

The B&G (Blue and Gold) Interview is by your B&G Officer. It allows the Naval Academy one more opportunity to insure that they appoint candidates who will make it through the next nine years. It has to occur before you are accepted and shows up as complete or pending on the CIS. Prepare for it. Don’t take it for granted because you think your B&G Officer ‘likes’ you. It’s his job to be an applicant screen for USNA, not your buddy.

Seniors–Accepted? Get a Passport

You’ll need one eventually, and sometimes, they take a while to get. Don’t run out of time. Get one now.

Seniors–SAT

January is the final date you can take the SAT and expect it to be counted toward USNA acceptance.

Seniors–last month to apply

USNA is still open for applications through the end of January. You can apply, but you have a whole lot to get done before acceptances go out. Start on the website, find a Blue and Gold officer and get it done!

USNA, USAFA and West Point all offer Summer Seminar, an opportunity for seniors to spend a week on the campus seeing if it feels right. And, it gives administrators a chance to watch and evaluate prospective students.

The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience for high achievers who have completed their junior year in high school. Summer Seminar teaches you about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation’s leaders. If you think that you may be interested in pursuing an appointment to one of the nation’s service academies and serving your country as an officer, you should seriously consider attending the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar.

Applications open at 12:01 a.m. on January 16, 2014, and close at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2014. Don’t miss out!

If you’re applying for USAFA, their Summer Seminar applications close end of January.

Juniors–get the preliminary application completed

That’s on USNA.edu. A preliminary application must be submitted to become an official candidate for next year’s entering class. If you applied for the Summer Seminar program, do not submit a preliminary application.

January is the deadline to complete preliminary application if you want to be included in next year’s application process.

Hone these critical skills

All USNA applicants and grads are leaders. If you’re a freshman, even a sophomore, not sure if you have enough of the leadership gene, check out these posts to see how to develop these traits:

Freshmen/Sophomores–Get your Social Security Number

Tour the Yard

These tours are offered through your Blue and Gold officer or any number of other avenues. Find a tour. Take it. You want to be sure the Naval Academy is right for you. Seeing officers at work on a Navy ship is a good idea.

Tour a warship

These tours are offered through your Blue and Gold officer or any number of other avenues. Find a tour. Take it. You want to be sure the Naval Academy is right for you. Seeing how officers work on a Navy ship is a good idea.

Be a leader

Wherever there’s an opportunity to be a leader, take it. The Military Academies want to see you as a proactive, can-do person, not a follower. Officers are the ones who make things happen and inspire the enlisted to do their best. Be that person.

Create your resume

List all of your activities, awards, community service. The best time to start this is as a freshman. Keep it up to date throughout high school. It’ll remind you of all your accomplishments when you’re filling out applications and essays.

Here’s a sample (truncated to protect the applicant info), set up in Google Spreadsheet with a simple organization with columns and rows:

Continue Community Service

Most colleges want to know you give back to your community; Military Academies are no exception. Do as much as you can. Give as much of your time and labor as you can afford. No, it doesn’t mean you do less in academics or sports. Figure out how to do it all. That’s the kind of person USNA, USAFA and all military academies like.

Are you a Future USNA Midshipman?

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days(starring the USS Bunker Hill), and over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice reviewer, adjunct professor in technology-in-education, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her book at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

]]>https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2018/01/08/january-to-do-list-for-usna-applicants-8/feed/0usa-american-flag-gif-3worddreamstodo--credit Nemocollege app resumeHappy Holidays!https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/happy-holidays-5/
https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/happy-holidays-5/#commentsFri, 22 Dec 2017 00:25:20 +0000http://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/?p=8628I’ll be taking a few weeks off–until after the New Year–to work on writing projects with a deadline. I may drop in on you-all as you enjoy your holidays, but mostly I’ll be regenerating.

I wish you a wonderful season, safe and filled with family.

See you shortly!

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, and the thrillers, To Hunt a Suband Twenty-four Days(featuring the USS Bunker Hill). She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

]]>https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/happy-holidays-5/feed/2thumbs_beautiful-christmas-ornaments-headerworddreamsHappyHolidaysUSNA-NetChristmas Like a Soldierhttps://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/christmas-like-a-soldier-3/
https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/christmas-like-a-soldier-3/#commentsMon, 18 Dec 2017 00:22:01 +0000http://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/?p=8622Part of joining the military is placing yourself second to America. Her needs exceed yours. This Holiday Season, many of our own friends and family won’t be home in the warmth of family events. Watch these videos. Remember them…

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, and the thrillers, To Hunt a Suband Twenty-four Days(featuring the USS Bunker Hill). She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

]]>https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/christmas-like-a-soldier-3/feed/1thumbs_beautiful-christmas-ornaments-headerworddreamsDecember To Do List for USNA Applicantshttps://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/december-to-do-list-for-usna-applicants-7/
https://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/december-to-do-list-for-usna-applicants-7/#commentsMon, 11 Dec 2017 00:39:19 +0000http://usnaorbust.wordpress.com/?p=8268Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Seniors–Check for Letter of Assurance

The B&G (Blue and Gold) Interview is by your B&G Officer. It allows the Naval Academy one more opportunity to ensure that they appoint candidates who will make it through the next nine years. It has to occur before you are accepted and shows up as complete or pending on the CIS. Prepare for it. Don’t take it for granted because you think your B&G Officer ‘likes’ you. It’s his job to be an applicant screen for USNA, not your buddy.

Even if you’ve already received your offer, attend this exciting weekend. You’ll get to see the Yard, visit Mids, ask more questions, see how the academics work. It’ll help you decide if you’re not sure, or clinch your decision to attend.

Seniors–DodMETS

This should be done. If you required a DodMETS waiver, follow up. Make sure it comes through. A good rule is to do everything you can until the ball is in someone else’s court so to speak. Don’t expect a waiver to happen without lots of personal attention.

Seniors–get the CFA done

If you didn’t pass CFA during Summer Seminar, or didn’t attend that event, arrange for your high school gym coach or someone else you trust to administer the full exam. If you don’t pass, you have until you submit your application to pass it. Check out what’s required (crunches, shuttle run, mile run, etc.) and make sure you’re prepared.

Seniors–Follow up on all steps of the application

Check the binder you set up over the summer to be sure everything is submitted. Check CIS–Candidate Information System–the online application site for candidates only. Be sure USNA has everything you’ve sent. If they don’t, resend and/or talk to your B&G Officer. In fact, stay in close touch with your B&G Officer at this stage in your process. He’ll be interviewing you and passing his recommendation on to the Admittance board.

Make copies of every piece of paper you submit. Then, if (when) they disappear across the country in Annapolis, it won’t be a show stopper.

Seniors–follow up on the Letters of Recommendation from teachers

Teachers are very busy writing these for many seniors. You may have to stay on top of them to be sure they get out. Don’t worry. Your teachers won’t mind. They’re used to it.

Seniors–Congressional Interview

Depending upon the Congressperson, it may be too late to apply for this interview. These are due in Fall with interviews in November/December. Get one from your Congresspeople–including both Senators. Fill them out. Double check to see that everything is accurate. Hand carry it to your Congressperson’s office. When you drop it off, try to meet the aide responsible for this activity. Say hi, chat for a moment. S/he may remember you from the Academy Night, and will definitely remember you when you come in for the interview in November/December.

Read Books

Create your resume

List all of your activities, awards, community service. The best time to start this is as a freshman. Keep it up to date throughout high school. It’ll remind you of all your accomplishments when you’re filling out applications and essays.

Here’s a sample (truncated to protect the applicant info), set up in Google Spreadsheet with a simple organization with columns and rows:

Tour the Yard

Tour a warship

These tours are offered through your Blue and Gold officer or any number of other avenues. Find a tour. Take it. You want to be sure the Naval Academy is right for you. Seeing officers at work on a Navy ship is a good idea.

Be a leader

Wherever there’s an opportunity to be a leader, take it. The Military Academies want to see you as a proactive, can-do person, not a follower. Officers are the ones who make things happen and inspire the enlisted to do their best. Be that person.

Continue Community Service

Most colleges want to know you give back to your community; Military Academies are no exception. Do as much as you can. Give as much of your time and labor as you can afford. No, it doesn’t mean you do less in academics or sports. Figure out how to do it all. That’s the kind of person USNA, USAFA and all military academies like.

Are you a Future USNA Midshipman?

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, and the thrillers, To Hunt a Suband Twenty-four Days. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.